Structural Design Engineer III

Jobtailor; California (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a senior Space Structures Engineer to own the full hardware lifecycle from concept through integration on launch vehicles. You will design and analyze primary and secondary metallic and composite structures, run trade studies, and build 3D models and interface documents.

You'll develop test plans, support manufacturing on-site, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver world-class aerospace hardware. Strong CAD/FEA skills and ASME GD&T familiarity are required.

Qualifications

• BS in engineering required.
• 5+ years aerospace structures experience.
• Composite and metallic design fundamentals.
• Bolted joint design and analysis experience.
• Familiarity with ASME Y14.100 and Y14.41.
• CAD/FEA tools experience (Creo/ANSYS).

Responsibilities

• Own the full lifecycle of hardware from requirements through integration.
• Design, analyze, develop, and test primary and secondary structures.
• Perform research, trade studies, and concept development.
• Create 3D models, detail drawings, assemblies, and interface documents.
• Develop test plans and specifications for flight hardware.
• Provide on-site support for manufacturing, production, and integration.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Trust-building

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Tools

Creo/Windchill

ANSYS

ASME Y14.5 (GD&T)

Job description

• Take ownership of the full lifecycle of hardware from requirements definition through concept development, design, analysis, testing, qualification, and integration onto a launch vehicle
• Design, analyze, develop, and test primary and secondary metallic and composite structures
• Perform research, develop concepts, and run trade studies
• Build 3D models, detail part drawings, assemblies, installations, and interface control documents
• Build test plans, specifications, and other documentation for the development of flight hardware
• Provide technical guidance and on‑site support for manufacturing, production, and integration activities
• Support configuration development and trade studies
• Take ownership of test planning, execution, data reduction, analysis, and authoring of test reports
• Work with multi‑functional teams that are responsible for selecting materials, manufacturing processes, and suppliers to produce world‑class aerospace hardware
• Develop component specifications and manage suppliers
• Plan, coordinate, conduct tests, and review test data
• Participate in the development and purchase of new equipment and tooling
• Maintain and report on activity schedule, budget, and technical status
• Coach, mentor, and technically assist other engineers
• Find opportunities for improvements and operational cost savings
• Work with spacecraft customers in a technical capacity
• Own spacecraft structural integration cycles
• Drive hardware discrepancies to resolution
• Prepare technical content and present to internal and external customers
• Complete hand calc and FEM analyses to report margins of safety for primary and secondary aerospace structures
• Perform access studies, loss of clearance analyses, vehicle clocking studies, and develop solutions to mission unique requirements
• Collaborate with internal and external teams throughout design, manufacturing, and mission integration.

Requirements

• Minimum of a B.S. degree in engineering
• 5+ years of experience with aircraft, spacecraft, or launch vehicle structures
• Material selection, compatibility, and manufacturing techniques
• Experience working in a multi‑functional organization to develop designs and produce world‑class engineered products
• Strong understanding of composite and metallic design fundamentals
• Experience in bolted joint design and analysis
• Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance analysis (ASME Y14.5)
• Familiarity with ASME Y14.100 and Y14.41
• Structural design experience using CAD (Creo/Windchill preferred), hand calculations, and FEA (ANSYS preferred) tools
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to earn trust and maintain positive professional relationships.